Improvisations on Reality

I was right, and thank you NY Daily News for confirming it.

If I wasn’t pissed before, now I am.

It was coming, especially in light of the fact that, two days later, there’s still a near foot-thick layer of compacted snow over pretty much every street in my immediate 5-block radius. I almost blew out both my ankles walking home from the train last night and it’s a short walk. And as I was coming home, I saw that my main street is still covered with compacted snow, and the side streets are nigh impassable.

The same goes for this morning. I’m debating binding both my ankles with Ace bandages as a preventative measure. I’ve not skated in about 20 years; now is not the time for me to start practicing.

My nieghborhood is home to a very large population of the elderly. And it was only earlier this year that we had a comparable blizzard and the public transit was still in commission at that time.

Disclaimer: This is a rant. I’m angry, I’m letting off steam, and it’s bound to get profane – but that’s how I feel. I’m putting this behind a cut for language, and if you don’t want to read, close this window. I won’t hold any offense. This is mostly intended for my usual readers, who are comprised of mostly friends from outside my state, who are worried about how I’m holding up post-storm. I’m including reference links to the NY Post, wherein Mr. Bloomberg made some comments that made my blood boil, so you will see what elicited this.
For the record, no, I didn’t vote for him. And my rant therefore takes up the form of an open letter.

Read more…

I’m sure that everyone who reads this blog knows that NY had a ton of snow dumped on courtesy of Mother Nature. Let’s just say, Nature is a mother indeed, because I don’t think that the city got this crippled even in the February blizzard from earlier this year.

Yesterday, when I opened the door, I was greeted with snow up to my knees, and an enormous drift where my five front steps used to be. The wrought-iron fence separating the tiny front “courtyard” from the sidewalk was also buried under snow, and that fence is at my hip level. The minute I saw this, I said the wisest words that day: “Screw this, I’m going back to bed.”

So, when I awoke this morning, I found the following:

1. Walking path down the stairs, and one that hugs all the fences on the block to the corner.

2. Main street plowed (by a silver SUV with plow attachment….thank you, silver SUV)

3. Drifts still up to my hip

4. Only one subway line functioning.

If you have me on Facebook, then you probably know of my occasional frustration with the NY Transit system. Not for nothing, though, I have to give it its props. It’s the best system across the continental US for public transit, and one of the most extensive systems, between bus network and the subways. But, like all systems, it’s not foolproof, and we have a slew of expected and unexpected incidents with it.

I never in my life would have imagined that a blizzard would effectively shut the city down.

As of right now, only the F line – luckily, that’s one of the subway lines that I take – is fully functional, but when my coworker came in, he told me that there was an announcement on his line that only one train on the F is going into Brooklyn.

Good grief, I hope that’s not going to be true when work is done, because I may well be stranded at my job if that’s the case. Not that I’ll complain about making up for lost hours, but by no means is this what I had in mind. Not to mention, the Furniture Adventures for Christmas were not easy on my joints, and I think that my chiropractor will want my head on a platter. Oy.

But, a great tradeoff is that climbing through all those snowbanks and snowdrifts has a very soporific effect, and for once, I hope to sleep soundly.Which is very conducive to my writerly side. :)

K.G.

“Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful.

And since we’ve no place to go,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”

When I went outside yesterday to get some groceries into the house, that was the operative word. I love snowstorms, but the one thing I enjoy more is the opportunity for a snow day. There’s the lack of the Day Job, the potential Internet outage – had one in the area already – and the fact that one can just simply relax does count for a lot.

Considering that I do not have the space to take down the A/C, I end up with a permanent, perpetual draft in my room. I sealed the cracks the best that I could with duct tape, and put a towel over the top, but it’s still utterly freezing. The surprise of the electric blanket was…well, definitely a surprise. Michelle – I have to thank you again, especially after roasting under it all through the night. I don’t know how the hell I could’ve done without this before. Thus, they’re my Recommendation Du Jour for cold, snowy, wintry days.

A great one to purchase, very similar to the one I have, is at Amazon.

Seriously, kids, if you’re in any place in the world that gets even a lick of snow, this is an essential.

My plan for the next few hours is to brainstorm, and possibly edit, and possibly continue in getting back in touch/reacquainting with Books 3 and 4. So busy was I in recent time that I need this reconnection. That and the character of Corwin Jacobs (Book 5) is still undefined. So the story needs to continue to evolve. And, with a lovely pomegranate as my snack du jour, I am more than happy to delve right back into that universe of adventure.

So, until next time…

K.G.

In Memoriam: Teena Marie.

I just found this out. I will let you know as I know more.

I am shocked. She was just on CapJazz! I didn’t see her performance at the time, but I have caught sights of her at various parts of the ship. And believe me…she was in perfect health.

More as details surface…
K.G.

I’m sure you will forgive the pun.

This show I had planned since late September for a simple reason, one that I’m sure you’ve seen mentioned before: I love a good trumpet. Dizzy, Chuck Mangione, Cindy Bradley, David Wells, Rick Braun, and…of course…Chris Botti. But Botti, above them, stands out with a peculiarity that, if you listen for it closely, shines through very clear: classical training. This is clear especially in his holding notes; he hits it and stays on it, stretching them and not once faltering in tone, pitch, or strength. It is very clean-sounding; compared to Rick Braun, who is very easily recognizable when he mutes his horn, Botti is the opposite. Even when Pandora mixes it up, I am far more likely to hear him without the mute.

So tonight, when I geared up and bundled up, I knew I was in for a listening experience. And, because it’s a sold-out show, I was extra-happy to be at the Note early.

As I was eating dinner, a text arrived from my friend Rosa, who was looking to make it to the show as well, despite the Sold Out status. I spoke to a person, then to another, then gazed around the seating, and one of the managers was gracious enough to say, “Get her in here, and we’ll figure something out.”

Rosa arrived in the nick of time, and when we were safely ensconced in our usual stageside seating, the show began.

You would think that, what with it being Christmas Day, you’d have a good bit of that theme for music, but no. No, no, not at all. Chris kicked into a medley that kicked off with Ave Maria, which transitioned into When I Fall In Love. Now, if you ever heard the CD version of that song, you will understand instantly what I mean by classic trumpet. If there’s ever a perfect example of how clean that instrument can sound if left with minimal backing, that recording is it.

However, this was the Note, and with Billy Childs and Mark Whitfield in the mix, the band took this into a multifaceted slew of twists and turns, finishing with a rocking, rousing solo by drummer Billy Kilson. Then – stop. A brief pause. And Chris resumes the final notes of When I Fall In Love.

Another thing that I enjoy about Botti, and this is especially true of the In Boston record, there is no shortage of guests who lend their own touch to the music. Tonight, out came Aurica Duca, to lend a warm, emotion-tugging touch to Emmanuel on violin. And also, out came the amazing Lisa Fischer, whose voice matched Chris’s trumpet note for note, so well that  – and it’s rare that you will hear me say this – it gave me chills. I may be premature in saying it, but jazz and soul may have a new queen in the making with Lisa Fischer.

Easily, this show made for one of the best things to do on a holiday to date. Between amazing food as ever at the Note, great company, and the sort of auditory magic that Mr. Botti serves up, this makes for one of my better Christmas seasons.

And so, with this writeup I also wrap up a season of amazing musical meandering.

May you all have a wonderful rest of 2010.

K.G.

It’s a bit difficult to believe that we’ve gotten to this point – somehow, it still seems like I was boarding the first Spirit Cruises sailing just the other day! – but finally, it’s Christmas. You likely unwrapped your gifts already, or are doing so later tonight. If you’re of a religious inclination, you’re likely going to church, if you’ve not had a Midnight Mass. But, if you’re someone like me, who has no religion, no tradition…well, there’s music. :)

My Christmas show is that of Chris Botti at the Blue Note, and my weakness for a classic trumpet is in full-force. I had this expedition planned for some time, and honestly, cannot wait. :)

New Year’s this year is with my awesome illustrator, Jenna, and her big sis/my best friend/my admin assistant for the Enterprise, Karly. This will be a good night, to say, the least, and just a scant time later, Bob Baldwin plays at the Iridium. Originally, I was tossing around the idea of a New Year’s Eve at the Note, but when I saw the prices…hell no. There’s no way that I can justify a $200 table seat for Botti, especially if I, well, went a wee bit overboard with the music gallivanting this year.

In the meanwhile, I’d like to show off, just a wee bit.

Couple weeks ago, I sat down with a buddy of mine, who has a voice to die for, and between his idea and my graphic mojo, we threw together a something for him – and, of course, this is a something for you, my readers, and this is my version of a Christmas gift. In the event you love your music with a helping of soul, then trust me – Philip Hamilton has your serving riiiight here. ;)

A hearty, healthy, joyous Merry Christmas from me, Philip H, and the rest of the K.G. Creative Enterprises family.

K.G.

Maybe it’s the fact that typing warms my hands, or the fact that good music distracts from the fact that it’s bloody cold in here!, but I’ve acquired a new case of Music Stuck in Head. Or, as we writers call it, the earworm.

Now, the first one was featured by the lovely Lynn Olson at the Lynn Lives Jazz site.

This time, it’s an odd assortment, and has nothing to do with the Christmas season.

Chris Geith: Coastal Daydreaming

If you’re in any jazz community and are online, then you’re certain to have heard this. And if you didn’t, you probably should. Off Island of a Thousand Dreams, this is a surprisingly bright piece of piano, and delightful in the simplicity of its arrangement. Piano, bass, drums, and the slightest bit of synth accent. Simplistic me is more than satisfied, and piano lover in me can pinpoint the roots of classical training.

Nate Najar: Jive at Five

You know, I always had quite the affinity for the guitar, and the more I think about it, the more inclined I am to the acoustic. But old-school acoustic has a certain degree of its own warmth and that would be Nate Najar’s Trio. Light drum, upright bass without amplification, and a light guitar is what the doctor orders for any old-school lover. Jive presents itself as a light, intricate melody that moves well and keeps going.

Which reminds me: I lapsed on a writeup. Crud. This is what happens when I get busier than I can stand!

Jerald Daemyon: You Make Me Feel Brand New

This song is unmistakable, and the original by the Stylistics had made it a seventies’ classic. Personally, it’s one of my favorite slow jams. What I never thought was how a violin – an electric violin, to boot – could make that song sound.

Originally, I caught this on Pandora, and while I knew what the song was, and who was behind it originally, the electric violin added a very different edge to it. Compared to a classical violin, the electric is much sharper and more pervasive than its counterpart, and with that on lead as opposed to vocals, the overall effect makes for an ear-catching take on a classic.

Spyro Gyra: Ariana

This one has been around for a while – a long while. Love and Other Obsessions was out for fifteen years, and no matter how many Spyro Gyra shows I attend, I always catch myself thinking, “This song should get more play in show.” It’s definitely on the more emotional side of the Spyro spectrum; while the sound has always been gentle, this is a little more than usual – wistful even. It’s the kind of wistful that makes you pay attention that much more.

Peter White: Mister Magic

Grover Washington Jr. is an inimitable influence, but oh, what that influence can be translated into still makes me look twice. Walter Beasley can do Winelight to a precise rendition, Peter White takes Mister Magic and adds a funk that just won’t quit. Whoever is on the keyboards with Peter on this track is brilliant, and the energy that Grover set worth with the original takes on a life of its own with Peter’s playful acoustic.

Dave Koz: This Guy’s In Love With You.

No, kids, I’m not getting sappy on you, but when I was listening through Hello Tomorrow, this surprised me. Why, you may ask? Dave sings. And that I didn’t expect. Having seen Dave as a show host, having seen him on TV a few times as a personality, I know his voice – I didn’t expect to ever hear him sing, and was quite pleasantly surprised when I did. Herb Alpert must have had quite a smile going on in the progress of all this being done.

As a whole, Hello Tomorrow is a a delight.

Now…it’s late. It’s almost Christmas Eve, and though I don’t celebrate it, I promise that I’ll serve up a lovely helping of Christmas cheer tomorrow, courtesy of a good friend of mine.

Until next time…

K.G.

It seems that the holidays are keen on raising my blood pressure lately.

I’m sure you guys have been hearing about the UConn women’s basketball team, the Lady Huskies, and their win streak. Now, I don’t generally watch sports, but I do a good amount of surfing, and Shakesville did a brilliant post dissecting the reactions to the Lady Huskies’ streak being comparable to that of a men’s team.

So I did some more surfing, just by googling the team. Warning: no matter where you get your source for opinions on the Lady Huskies, don’t read the comments. The sexism will force you into a rage-induced coronary.

You may wonder: but Kat, you’re a writer! And you’re not into sports! And you’re a level-headed lady! Why do you care so much about this?

I tell you why I care: I’m fucking tired of the perception that something’s a “men only” field, and that somehow, there’s a limit to how good a woman can/cannot be in that so-called exclusive field.

And while I don’t give a hoot about sports and never have – and never will – what I do give a very major hoot about is the sexist lens through which all of this is presented. The basic fact is that the Lady Huskies are very good. They stand to break a record. You’d think people would say, “Hey, kickass!” But of course not, because they’re girls. And as such they can’t possibly be playing basketball, but they’re playing ladyball, which is not close to the Real Basketball that Real Men watch and play.

I only wish I were kidding. Check out this little gem by Mark Potash.

Hey, Potash, here’s a newsflash: it’s still fucking basketball, no matter what the genitalia of the players is.

For those not daring to click, he’s basically saying that the Huskies will not be able to tie/break the record for the simple reason that the record was set by a men’s team, and the Lady Huskies are not men.Again, I only wish I were kidding.

Honestly, isn’t it about time that the machismo factor stopped having any degree of bearing on skill? Or is that too much to ask?

Again, dear readers, you may ask me why I give a shit.

Let me explain this: as an author, especially as an author of urban fantasy/science fiction, I have to fight twice harder to be taken seriously for two reasons: 1. I’m writing science fiction and 2. I’m female. Let’s not forget that it wasn’t that long ago that it was considered that a woman cannot possibly be a good writer because she is a woman. George Sand is a classic example: she was a French author who got a major reputation simply because no one knew that she was a woman. I also recall seeing an article this past few months on bloggers, who take on a male pseudonym because otherwise, they cannot gain readership. No one would take their voice seriously on a specific topic because they are female.

And also let’s not forget about the six-year-old girl who was bullied because she likes Star Wars…and she’s a girl. That’s why she was bullied, matter of fact: liking Star Wars.

So this debacle on the Lady Huskies – why is it a debacle, seriously? They’re good. They’re good enough to tie/break a record. That’s the bottom line, whether or not the douchebag brigade that insists on the difference between basketball and ladyball likes it.

While we’re at it, a little moment from the seventies: Battle of the Sexes. This same debacle that we’re having now about basketball was about tennis at the time, and back then, just like right now, the popular statement du jour was that women cannot, simply cannot be good at this sport. And then enter Billie Jean King, who handed Bobby Riggs his misogynistic ass on the tennis court.

So, to end the sexism involved in women’s basketball, do the Lady Huskies have to hand some male team their asses on a silver platter? Looks like, because some of the commentary claims that a high-school boys’ team can beat them. Really now – whippersnappers who lack the training, discipline, and the competition that comes with college basketball? Athleticism alone doesn’t cut it in NCAA sports. There’s a lot more pressure, a lot more competition, and atop that cake there’s the cherry of a potential NBA draft. This, of course, is considering that the players don’t blow out a knee, maintain a requisite GPA, and don’t have a breakdown from the burnout. You don’t see that degree of discipline/pressure in high-school sports. You see high-school athletes praying, hoping, and crossing their fingers that they get to that stage.

Similar goes to writers of sci-fi. If you have a concrete plot, if you create a well-crafted story – whether singular or plural, far as story is concerned – and you’re able to keep your reader engaged, does it honestly matter whether or not you’re male or female? Or, in music, if you’re able to keep your audience on its feet, and coming back for more, does it matter whether or not you’re a girl who plays a “men’s” instrument?

The idea that women = humans = capable of the same skill as men should not be rocket science. Bottom line. Go ahead – I dare you to disagree with me.

K.G.

My blood pressure is not thanking me, but you have got to read the bit about the Pope blaming secular society for child molestation by the clergy.

Now, as someone on my friend’s FB page pointed out, if the Church is really morally superior, then secular society should have no effect on its behavior.

As usual, he’s full of shit, and I would love, love to see someone investigate the Pope himself. A person simply doesn’t shield criminals knowingly without there being a very real, vested interest for that person. Somehow, I’m starting to doubt, especially after there being decades of molestation cases, that the Pope is just trying to save face for the Catholic Church. It’s gone way, way past that already. There are other motivations in the works here, and it sickens me to even consider them.

So happy to be an atheist…

K.G.